Pharoah Sanders - Pharoah (1978)

 

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Sander's 14th effort shows him and group exploring a slower, almost psychedelic vibe on Side A. There's definitely something spiritual and meditative in the droning. Side B is a bit more upbeat and features the brilliant guitar work of Tisziji Muñoz and keys player Jiggs Chase trading solos, and even Sander's himself sharing his vocals.  You need more Pharoah in your life. I know I do. 

Pharaoh

Frank Lowe - Fresh (1975)

 

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Frank's 3rd album features the help of the Bowie Brothers in churning out a pair of Monk tunes, and 3 Lowe originals. There's moments of far-reaching freakouts, and moments of clear and concise jamming. I've been really enjoying the U.K. based Black Lion releases pretty constantly over the years. It's always a treat when the internet gods bless me with a new find, and I hope this share gives you the same feelings

Fresh

John Abercrombie - The Third Quartet (2007)

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By this point in John's life, he'd already recorded over 100+ albums as a leader or with other groups, and with a sizable number of those recordings with the prestigious ECM records. Herein the guitar virtuoso plays open, playful tunes, while allowing Feldman an opportunity to shine as well. The album carries a relaxing and upbeat vibe that's a welcome change from all the thunderous noise I've been filling my head with, as I battled these few remaining days of the cold. 

The Third Quartet

Ominous Resurrection - Judgement (2020)

 

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Ominous Resurrection pushes the emotional, starkness of black metal into new and uncharted territory with their latest effort. The album delivers the blasting drive we all love, mixed with sludgy, thick as syrup lofi production. And the guitar tones are fucking incredible. Grab this and go for a walk. It's starting to get warm again. 

Judgement

Skeletal Remains - The Entombment Of Chaos (2020)

 

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I spend a lot of time driving for work, so I used that time this morning listening to this on repeat. The opener lulls you in with a false sense of calm and comfort, then stabs you in the ears. It's packed full of noodly solos, brutal guttural vocals, and a rhythm section that resembles a machine gun. For fans of old school death metal, this is right up your ass. 

The Entombment Of Chaos

Mammatus - Mammatus (2006)

 

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This record is absolutely stoner rock ear candy. It's fantastic on long roadtrips, bike rides, or out baking in the sun. The group has developed an incredible wall-of-sound that seems to attack your senses from every single direction. This is highly recommended for anyone into sludgy, doomy space rock.  

Mammatus 

Rat King - Santa Hipocresía (2021)

 

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I remember as a kid hanging out with my uncle on cold snowy days, sorting through his old cassette tapes for the ugliest cover I could find. Once I found it, that was the tape I would listen to all day. As soon as I saw the Santa Hipocresía cover it brought back some of those memories. After a single listen I immediately had to purchase a copy, and what do you know? The EP comes in a fucking  Cassette Tape format. Slide over there and check them out. The tapes are moderately priced as well. Totes worth a couple of bucks for those oh so warm nostalgia feels. 

Santa Hipocresía

Rollins Band - Life Time (1987)

 

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The sheer intensity of this record is fucking incredible. It's raw, animalistic power has a hypnotizing effect on me, everytime I play this album. This is Rollins debut LP after the split of Black Flag, and you can almost feel the anger and madness coursing through his veins. Here's our Henry being a fantastic fellow. 

Life Time

Deerhunter - Rainwater Cassette Exchange (2009)

 

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I try my hardest to keep up with Cox and Company. I enjoy their antics, how weird their interviews are, and the chill sometimes drony, always catchy tunes. Besides their debut, this is the record I reach for the most when I get a good ole fashion Deerhunter hankering. This is a great bike riding record.

Rainwater Cassette Exchange

Sun Ra - Deep Purple - (1973)

 
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Recorded at various times and locations between 1953-1973, Deep Purple [also known as Dreams Come True] showcases some wonderful jazz tunes, that aren't too far-out reaching like some of  The Arkestra's later works. A friend of mine once described Ra's later 1970's work as "Space Blowing its Nose", and I couldn't agree more. This collection is shortly after Ra set up shop in Philly, and before he really started directing space traffic. 

Deep Purple

Ray Charles - Yes Indeed! (1958)

 

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I truly believe the one of the most overlooked, and brilliant songs of Ray Charles extensive career came early, on his 4th record in the form of the 2nd track, It's Alright. This song has all of the makings for the greatest break-up/kiss off song of the 20th century.  While the rest of this collection holds some other strong contenders, like Get on the Right Track Baby, and I Had A Dream, nothing holds like that 2nd track. This is a great collection over all, and I find myself reaching for it a few times a year, for the last 20 years. 

Yes Indeed!

KoЯn - Requiem (2022)

 

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I want to punch myself in the face for typing this, but the new KoЯn record is in fact listenable. It's actually really good if I have to be honest. There's subtle hints of blues almost, however still dripping with overprocessed distorted nonsense, and oh so much PAIN. I will admit that at first listen I had a bit of a shit-eating grin on my face because I haven't felt this excited listening to a KoЯn record since Issues in my youth. 

Requiem 

Don Cherry - Brown Rice (1975)

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Don was one of the hardest working musicians in the business. He'd play with virtually anyone, on any idea, no matter how far reaching or controversial. This set, and in my opinion his greatest recording, features some of the usual suspects; Frank Lowe on sax, Charlie Haden making an appearance on bass, and Billy Higgins holding down the drums.  The direction on this recording touches on jazz fusion and world styles, all wrapped neatly together in 4 tracks. Sometimes its very pensive, and almost meditative. Other times all you want to do is shake your ass. I believe this record represents all of the influence of his career for the last 25+ years. There are a few moments on this recording that remind me of another great trip. I enjoy this record the most when I'm walking on a brisk day through the crowded streets of downtown Chicago.

Brown Rice

Noah Howard - Live in Europe - Vol. 1 (1975)

 

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We briefly touched on Howard a while back, with his The Black Ark record. This set was recorded during his tour of Europe in the early 70's, featuring once again Muhammad Ali on the drums. The set is far reaching, sometimes spiritual at times. Which shouldn't come as a surprise, considering he covers Coltrane's Olé. Overall this is a solid record with a lot of great moods to hold your attention. 

Live in Europe - Vol. 1

Elder - Elder (2008)

 

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Elder's first full length LP, full of slow and heavy jams. This is a beautiful Sunday soundtrack. 

Elder

Cauldron Black Ram - Slaver (2020)

 

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We cannot get out. They have taken the bridge and Second Hall. The end comes soon. We hear drums, drums in the deep. They are coming...

Slaver

Thorn - Yawning Depths (2022)

 

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HOLY SHIT we’re back with more mind melting death metal. I couldn’t stay away for long. I’ve been reaching for this record quite a bit this week. Aptly named, and with a cover to help illustrate, Yawning Portal is a deep dark cave that’s easy to fall into, with a terribly difficult climb back out. This is definitely not the sweet album you play for your kids at bedtime. Ironically, today I found out that I'm going to be a father.

Yawning Depths

Inferi - Vile Genesis (2021)

 

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My eardrums feel violated after every listen to this record. It’s a nonstop assault on your senses right out of the gate. I hate making comparisons, but any Cattle Decapitation fans will eat this shit up and ask for more. The music is tight, the vocals not over the top bullshit, and the songs flow really well. This is a must listen. 

Vile Genesis

Druid Lord - Relics Of The Dead (2022)

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I've been on this huge Doom kick lately and this record was just the right fix. A portion of the internets whom I normally trust didn't seem to like this effort at all. Normally they're spot on, but they came up short on this one, in my opinion. This set gave me the exact feeling I wanted it to give me, which is why we listen to music after all, right? Give it a spin and decide for yourself. 

Relics Of The Dead

Mizmor (מזמור) - Yodh (2016)

 

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There is a perfect balance of black and doom metal on this recording, all packaged together with beautiful acoustic passages. The cover art does really add to the experience of longing, and loneliness this record can sometimes produce. There's a really great article here that explains the relationship between the 2 art mediums. It’s cold and snowy and this is the soundtrack. 

Yodh